Booze Cruise 07.25.09 | Magic Hat #9

St. Louisans certainly have plenty to get excited about with the recent arrival of #9, the signature beer from the Burlington, Vermont-based Magic Hat Brewing Company.

St. Louis is, of course, a big beer town. But even though our own town’s big brewers Anheuser-Busch and Schlafly offer everything from summer standards to the finest of craft brews, it’s still always nice when a new micro from another part of the country filters its way into the Show-Me State.

St. Louisans certainly have plenty to get excited about with the recent arrival of #9, the signature beer from the Burlington, Vermont-based Magic Hat Brewing Company. Magic Hat markets #9 as a "not quite pale ale," which is definitely truth in advertising: it’s similar in consistency to a pale ale, but with a bit of extra heaviness and a color that carries a slight amber tinge. This pleasing color is paired with a psychedelic label design for an all-around eye-pleasing design. Of course it’s more important what the tongue thinks of the beer than the eyes, but #9 has plenty to offer on that front. Despite its darker color, #9 drinks much like a Blue Moon, only with that beer’s orange-soaked flavor replaced by a sweet, summery aftertaste that offers just a hint of apricot. It’s delicious, but it’s definitely not a beer for binging, as its sweetness and heaviness can get overwhelming in too large a dose.

When Magic Hat’s #9 first arrived in St. Louis around Memorial Day, it was only available in a few select locations, including Cicero’s, Growler’s Pub, and Blueberry Hill, where its refreshing qualities made it well worth the trek up the stairs from the Duck Room. But the summer months have seen an expansion, with tastings and other special events scheduled throughout town in the coming weeks. For a full schedule of upcoming events as well as a list of bars who’d be happy to sell you a pint, visit http://www.magichat.net| Jason Green